| Glacier National Park | |
|---|---|
| Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park | |
| Location | Montana, United States |
| Coordinates | 48.6966°N, 113.7186°W |
| Area | 1,583 sq mi (4,100 km²) |
| Established | May 11, 1910 |
| Visitors (latest) | 2.9 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana and is known for its **glacially carved valleys**, **alpine meadows**, **turquoise lakes**, and **snow-capped peaks**. Established on **May 11, 1910**, it borders Canada’s **Waterton Lakes National Park**, and together they form the **Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park**, the world’s first international peace park.
Landscape and Geography
- Features over **130 named lakes**, **762 miles of trails**, and **175 mountains**
- Home to the iconic **Going-to-the-Sun Road**, a 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide at **Logan Pass**
- Originally had 150 glaciers — less than 25 remain active today
Ecosystems and Wildlife
Glacier contains diverse habitats, including alpine tundra, subalpine forests, and prairie valleys.
Wildlife includes:
- **Grizzly bears**, **black bears**
- **Mountain goats**, **bighorn sheep**, **elk**, and **moose**
- Over 270 species of birds
Hiking and Recreation
Popular hikes:
- **Highline Trail**
- **Grinnell Glacier**
- **Avalanche Lake**
- **Hidden Lake Overlook**
Other activities:
- Backcountry camping (permit required)
- Boating on **Lake McDonald** and **St. Mary Lake**
- Photography and stargazing
Climate and Seasons
- Short summer season (June–September)
- Winter brings heavy snow and limited access
- Logan Pass typically opens late June or early July
Cultural and Historical Importance
- Ancestral land of the **Blackfeet**, **Salish**, and **Kootenai** peoples
- Contains historic lodges and chalets built in the early 20th century
- Recognized as a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** and **Biosphere Reserve**
Fun Facts
- One of the most intact ecosystems in the continental U.S.
- Featured in numerous films and nature documentaries
- The park spans the **Continental Divide**, affecting water flow to the Pacific and Atlantic